Modular holder for automated

Abstract

A modular stent system for a medical station includes a first bottom stent formed from an elongated body and a first top stent formed from an elongated body. The vertical wall of the first top bracket is configured to attach to a portion of the medical station such that the portion of the medical station can be securely stacked on top of the first portion of the medical station via the first bottom bracket and the first top bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 586,728, filed September 29, 2023, entitled “Modular support for automated dispensing cabinet,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The current subject matter described herein generally relates to medical stations such as medication dispensing cabinets. In particular, the current subject matter relates to a modular support system for medical stations, wherein the support system enables efficient engagement of units attached to the medical station, for example, in a stacked arrangement. Background Technology

[0003] Medical stations, such as medication dispensing cabinets, can be integrated into various clinical and healthcare environments. These stations typically require attaching one or more additional structures, for example, in a stacked manner. The process of attaching or stacking these additional structures is often temporary, with the user simply stacking or placing the structures on or around the medical station. This process can be inefficient and messy, which is highly undesirable in a healthcare environment. It can also be unsafe, for example, in earthquake-prone areas or pedestrian-accessible areas, where the stacked structures could collapse. Improved devices and methods are needed for attaching additional structures, for example, in a modular, stacked manner, to medical stations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aspects of the current topic relate to medical stations such as drug dispensing cabinets, which include or are otherwise mechanically coupled to modular stacking assemblies, which include attachment brackets that enable the structure to be stacked efficiently and modularly on or to medical stations.

[0005] In one aspect, a modular support system for a medical station is disclosed, the support system comprising: a first bottom support formed of an elongated body having a first flat region, the first bottom support having a vertical wall extending along the first flat region, the vertical wall of the first bottom support being configured to be attached to a first portion of the medical station; and a first top support formed of an elongated body having a second flat region, the first top support having a vertical wall extending along the second flat region, wherein the first top support is configured to be paired on top of the first bottom support in a stacking relationship such that the first flat region of the first bottom support is juxtaposed with the second flat region of the first top support, and wherein the first top support is securely attached to the first bottom support; and wherein the vertical wall of the first top support is configured to be attached to a second portion of the medical station such that the second portion of the medical station can be securely stacked on top of the first portion of the medical station via the first bottom support and the first top support.

[0006] In another aspect, a method for modularly attaching a structure to a medical station is disclosed, comprising: attaching a first stent to a portion of the medical station; attaching a second stent to the structure to be attached to the medical station; and attaching the first stent to the second stent such that the first stent is stacked on the second stent.

[0007] Details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate specific aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the specification, help to explain some principles related to the disclosed embodiments. In these drawings: Figure 1 A medical station, consistent with the implementation method of the current topic, is schematically depicted; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a modular stacked assembly consistent with the implementation method of the current topic; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a support assembly of a modular stacked component consistent with the implementation method of the current topic; Figure 4 This is another perspective view of the support assembly of the modular stacked components, consistent with the implementation of the current topic, wherein the support assembly is in an exploded state; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a support assembly that is consistent with the implementation method of the current topic; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a structure fixed together by support assemblies is shown; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a support assembly for a modular stacked assembly consistent with the implementation of the present subject, wherein the support assembly is in a disassembled state.

[0009] Where feasible, similar reference numerals denote similar structures, features, or elements. Detailed Implementation

[0010] An aspect of the current subject matter relates to a medical station that includes or is coupled to a modular stent assembly configured to modularly attach one or more structures, for example, in a stacked manner, to the medical station. The medical station can be a standalone module or a component of a modular system. The medical station can be part of a drug management system that includes various modules and stations for the secure storage, distribution, and / or management of medications.

[0011] An aspect of the present subject provides a medical station formed by a structure such as a base structure, which forms a workstation where a person can perform, monitor, or otherwise manage medical-related work. In some embodiments, the medical station is a medication dispensing station. In embodiments, the medical station has a base and an upper portion or module, wherein the upper module is connected to or otherwise integrated with the base. The upper module is a structure or frame located on top of the base. In some embodiments, the upper module may be connected to more than one type of base. In some embodiments, the base is a vertical unit or module. The base and upper module can be used for various purposes, including storing medications, supplies, and / or documents such as medical records or archives in or on one or more storage compartments. In some embodiments, the base may include a refrigeration and / or freezing unit. The medical station may include electronic components such as one or more processing devices and other valuable or sensitive components.

[0012] Figure 1 A medical station 105 consistent with an embodiment of the present subject is schematically depicted. As described, in the example embodiment, the medical station is a medication dispenser, but the type of medical station can vary. The medical station 105 is attached to at least one modular support assembly 110, which is described in more detail below. The modular support assembly 110 is configured to be attached to the medical station 105, for example, by stacking or otherwise placing the modular support assemblies on the medical station and / or securing the modular support assembly 110 to the medical station 105, for example, using attachment devices including one or more screws, bolts, etc. The modular support assembly 110 may be located on top of the medical station 105 or attached to the medical station 105 in various other spatial arrangements.

[0013] Figure 2 A perspective view of an example embodiment of a modular support assembly 105 in an assembled state is shown, comprising at least one support 205. The illustrated embodiment includes two supports 205a and 205b, but the number of supports can vary. Each support 205 is secured to a base structure 210, for example, via screws, bolts, adhesives, etc. The base structure 210 can vary and may include, for example, a portion of the medical station 105, the entire medical station 105, a flat base, or any structure to be attached to the medical station 105. The size and shape of the base structure can vary.

[0014] Still refer to Figure 2The bracket 205 is an elongated body with a straight or prismatic shape, as described in more detail below. In an embodiment, the length of the bracket along axis AA is greater than its width, but the shape can vary. At least one transverse strut 215 extends between brackets 205a and 205b, with opposite ends of the strut 215 connected to the respective bracket 205. The transverse strut 215 extends along a respective long axis, which may intersect the long axis AA of the bracket 205 in the assembled state. That is, the transverse strut 215 may be transverse to, intersecting with, or angled to the bracket 205 at a 90-degree or non-90-degree angle. As described, the size, shape, and structure of the bracket 205 (or any bracket embodiment described herein) can vary. For example, the bracket may optionally have one or more openings, such as... Figure 2 The square opening shown is not required. The bracket may also have one or more threaded or unthreaded holes for receiving attachment structures, such as screws or bolts, passing through it.

[0015] As described, the support assembly 105 is configured to be modularly attached to another support assembly 105, for example, in a stacked manner. This is achieved by stacking or pairing each support 205 of the support assembly 105 to one or more corresponding supports of another support assembly. Figure 3 An example is shown in which a pair of top supports 205c and 205d are stacked on top of a corresponding pair of bottom supports 205a and 205b. Figure 4 A bracket in a disassembled state and positioned to be paired with each other is shown. At least one side plate 305 can be secured to each corresponding pair of paired brackets to hold the paired brackets together, for example by using screws extending through the side plates into the paired brackets. Additionally, the screws can extend through corresponding flat regions 315 of the paired brackets. For reference purposes, the flat region of the top bracket can be referred to as the first flat region, and the flat region of the bottom bracket can be referred to as the second flat region. When the brackets are paired together in a stacked relationship, the flat regions 315 of each pair of brackets are juxtaposed with each other (placed to contact each other side-by-side, such that they are stacked vertically or horizontally). Each flat region 315 can have a top surface and a bottom surface. When the top bracket is paired or engaged with the bottom bracket, the bottom surface of the flat region 315 of the top bracket can contact the top surface of the flat region 315 of the bottom bracket in a stacked relationship. Seals or gaskets can be positioned between the flat regions. The top bracket can be referred to as the first top bracket and the second top bracket, and the bottom bracket can be referred to as the bottom bracket and the second bottom bracket. The brackets can also be referred to as the first bracket, the second bracket, the third bracket, the fourth bracket, etc.

[0016] The top supports 205c and 205d can be structurally identical to the bottom supports 205a and 205b. Alternatively, the top supports 205c and 205d can be structurally different from the bottom supports 205a and 205b. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the top supports 205c and 205d are structurally different from the bottom supports 205a and 205b. Each support 205 has a flat region 315, which is defined by a vertically extending wall 320 extending along the length of each support 205. The top region of the wall may have a horizontal flange forming a surface configured to be attached to the base structure 210, for example, by screws or bolts. Figure 6 The top supports 205c and 205d each have a tongue 325 extending downward toward the corresponding bottom support. Each bottom support 205a and 205b also has a tongue 335 extending downward. Figure 4 The tongue-shaped protrusion extends downwards away from the top support and toward the structure to which the bottom support is attached. When the top support is mated to the bottom support in a stacked relationship, the tongue-shaped protrusion 325 of the top support is juxtaposed with the tongue-shaped protrusion 335 of the bottom support, and the flat area 315 of each support is also juxtaposed. This arrangement provides a secure attachment between the top and bottom supports.

[0017] Figure 5 A perspective view of another embodiment of the support 505 is shown, which can be used as either a top or bottom support. The support 505 is an elongated structure similar to the embodiment described above. The support 505 includes a central flat region 515, which is bordered on both sides by a pair of upward walls 520 extending at least partially along the length of the support 505. At the ends of the support 505, tongues 525 extend upward from the flat region 515.

[0018] In use, the support assembly is attached to the base structure 210, for example, by using screws that extend through the support into the base structure 210. Any number of support assemblies and corresponding base structures can be stacked together, with the respective supports arranged and secured in a top-and-bottom configuration. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a base structure 210a is shown, which has a pair of supports 605 (which may be referred to as bottom supports) fixed thereto (e.g., fixed to the top region of the base structure 210a). As described, the base structure can vary and may include, for example, at least a portion of the medical station 105, a flat base, or any structure to be attached to the medical station 105.

[0019] A pair of brackets 610 (which may be referred to as top brackets) are secured to corresponding bottom brackets 605. An additional base structure 210b is secured to the top brackets 610. The additional brackets and base structure can be further stacked vertically. Figure 6 The component shown is at the top. It should be understood that, although... Figure 6 A base structure 210b is shown stacked on top of a base structure 210a, but in addition to vertical stacking or in combination with vertical stacking, the system can also be used to achieve side-by-side horizontal stacking by stacking one base structure onto the side region of another base structure.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the support assembly of the modular stacking assembly, wherein the support assemblies are in a disassembled state and positioned to be paired with each other. A pair of top supports 705a and 705b are positioned to stack on top of a corresponding pair of bottom supports 710c and 710d.

[0021] exist Figure 7 In a non-limiting embodiment, the top support 705 differs structurally from the bottom support 710. Each top support 705 has a flat region 715 bounded by a vertically extending wall 720 extending along the length of each top support 705. A horizontally extending edge or flange 722 is positioned along the entire or partial length of the top portion of each vertically extending wall 720. Furthermore, a substantially flat edge or flange 724 (having a vertically flat surface) is located at the rear edge of each vertically extending wall 720. The leading edge of each top support 705 has a downwardly extending flange 725 and a horizontally extending flange 730, on which an annular structure 727 is positioned. The annular structure 727 provides an opening that serves as at least part of a locking mechanism, such as covering a release lever or other element. The flanges 722, 724, 725, and 730 provide the top support 705 with a structure that can be secured to another structure (e.g., medical station 105 or other structures). The support may have a flat surface or a contoured surface.

[0022] Still refer to Figure 7Each bottom bracket 710 is an elongated body with a straight or prismatic shape. Each bottom bracket 710 has an elongated flat region 735. A downwardly extending flange 740 is positioned on either side of the flat region 735 such that the flat region is bounded by the flange 740 along its entire or partial length. The bottom region of each flange 740 is formed as a horizontal edge 745 through which one or more screws or bolts can be positioned. Furthermore, a downwardly extending tongue 750 is located at the leading edge of each bottom bracket 710. A top bracket 705 has at least one aperture 752 in the flat region 715, which aligns with at least one complementary aperture 754 in the flat region 735 of the bottom bracket 710 when the top bracket 705 is mated with the bottom bracket 710. The top bracket further has at least one aperture 756 in the downwardly extending flange 725, which aligns with at least one complementary aperture 758 in the downwardly extending tongue 750 of the bottom bracket 710. The top bracket 705 and the bottom bracket 710 may further have openings in various positions that align with each other when the top bracket 705 is mated with the bottom bracket 710.

[0023] When the top bracket 705 mates with the bottom bracket 710, screws or other attachment devices can be inserted through respectively aligned orifices to secure the top bracket 705 to the bottom bracket 710. In a non-limiting example, at least one screw comprises a Grade 5 3 / 8-16 toothed flange hex head screw with a maximum torque of 31 ft-lbs. In another non-limiting example, at least one screw comprises a ¼-20 x 1 / 2” hex head screw with a maximum torque of 72 in-lbs.

[0024] When the top bracket 705 engages or mates with the corresponding bottom bracket 710 in a stacked relationship, the flat areas 715 and 735 of each bracket are placed side by side with each other, such that the top bracket 705 is stacked on top of the corresponding bottom bracket 710 and mated together in a stacked relationship.

[0025] In addition, depending on the method of use, such as Figure 6 As shown, at least one bottom bracket 605 is attached to the base structure 210a. Then, at least one top bracket 610 can be stacked on top of the bottom bracket 605 and secured to it. A second base structure 210b can be secured to the top bracket 610, thereby engaging the second base structure 210b to the first base structure 210a. The second base structure 210b can be attached to the top bracket 610 before or after the top bracket 610 is attached to the bottom bracket 605.

[0026] While the disclosures described herein, including the accompanying drawings, may be described individually and / or illustrated by example, it should be understood that all or some of them, or components thereof, may be combined.

[0027] Although various exemplary embodiments have been described above, any of the various embodiments may be varied. For example, in alternative embodiments, the order in which the various described method steps are performed may generally be changed, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped entirely. Optional features of the various apparatus and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments but not in others. Therefore, the above description is provided primarily for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0028] When a feature or element is referred to herein as being “above” another feature or element, it may be directly above the other feature or element, or there may be intermediate features and / or elements present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly above” another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements present. It will also be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected,” “attached,” or “joined” to another feature or element, it may be directly connected, attached, or joined to the other feature or element, or there may be intermediate features or elements present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected,” “directly attached,” or “directly joined” to another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements present. Although described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements thus described or illustrated may be applied to other embodiments. References to structures or features arranged “adjacent” to another feature may have portions overlapping with or below the adjacent feature.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or inclusion of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items and may be abbreviated to “ / ”.

[0030] For example, for ease of description, this document may use spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., to describe the relationship of one element or feature shown in the figures relative to another element or feature. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, the element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both the orientation above and below. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the terms “up,” “down,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” etc., are used herein for illustrative purposes only.

[0031] Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements should not be limited by these terms unless the context otherwise indicates. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another. Thus, the first feature / element discussed below may be referred to as the second feature / element, and similarly, the second feature / element discussed below may be referred to as the first feature / element, without departing from the teachings provided herein.

[0032] Throughout this specification and the appended claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the word “comprising” and variations such as “including” and “comprising” mean that various components may be used together in a method and article (e.g., components and apparatus of a means and method). For example, the term “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of any of the stated elements or steps, but does not exclude any other elements or steps.

[0033] As used herein in the specification and claims, including in the examples, all figures may be interpreted as being prefixed with the word "approximately" or "about," even if the term is not explicitly stated. When describing size and / or location, the phrase "approximately" or "about" may be used to indicate that the described value and / or location is within a reasonably expected range of value and / or location. For example, a numerical value may have values ​​of + / -0.1%, + / -1%, + / -2%, + / -5%, + / -10%, etc., of the stated value (or range). Unless the context otherwise indicates, any numerical value given herein should also be understood to include approximately or approximately that value.

[0034] The examples and illustrations included herein are shown by way of example and not limitation, illustrating specific embodiments in which the subject matter can be practiced. As described, other embodiments can be utilized and derived therefrom, allowing for structural and logical substitutions and changes without departing from the scope of the invention. Although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may replace the specific embodiments shown. The invention is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein are possible.

[0035] For example, in the foregoing description and claims, phrases such as "at least one" or "one or more" may appear, followed by a list of connected elements or features. The term "and / or" may also appear in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implied or expressly contradicted by the context in which it is used, such phrases are intended to mean either any of the listed elements or features individually, or any of the listed elements or features in combination with any other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B;", "one or more of A and B;", and "A and / or B" are each intended to mean "A alone, B alone, or A and B together". A similar interpretation applies to lists comprising three or more items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C;", "one or more of A, B, and C;", and "A, B, and / or C" are each intended to mean "A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together". The use of the term "based on" in the foregoing and claims is intended to mean "at least partially based on," thus allowing for the inclusion of features or elements not described.

[0036] The examples and illustrations included herein are shown by way of example and not limitation, illustrating specific embodiments in which the subject matter can be practiced. As described, other embodiments can be utilized and derived therefrom, allowing for structural and logical substitutions and changes without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments of the subject matter of the invention may be referred to individually or collectively as “invention” herein, merely for convenience, and are not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if, in fact, multiple inventions or inventive concepts are disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may substitute for the specific embodiments shown. The invention is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. After reading the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand the combination of the foregoing embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A modular support system for a medical station, the support system comprising: A first bottom support is formed of an elongated body having a first flat area, the first bottom support having a vertical wall extending along the first flat area, the vertical wall of the first bottom support being configured to be attached to a first portion of the medical station; A first top support is formed of an elongated body having a second flat region, the first top support having a vertical wall extending along the second flat region, wherein the first top support is configured to be paired on top of the first bottom support in a stacking relationship such that the first flat region of the first bottom support is juxtaposed with the second flat region of the first top support, and wherein the first top support is securely attached to the first bottom support. Furthermore, the vertical wall of the first top support is configured to be attached to the second part of the medical station, such that the second part of the medical station can be securely stacked on top of the first part of the medical station via the first bottom support and the first top support.

2. The modular support system according to claim 1, wherein, The top support has the same structure as the bottom support.

3. The modular support system according to claim 1, further comprising: Second top support; The second bottom support is configured to be paired with the second top support in a stacking relationship.

4. The modular support system of claim 2, further comprising a transverse strut extending between a first bottom support and a second bottom support in the assembled state, wherein the opposite ends of the transverse strut are connected to the respective bottom supports.

5. The modular support system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first top support and the first bottom support has two vertical walls extending along opposite sides of the respective flat area.

6. The modular support system according to claim 1, wherein, Each vertical wall has a horizontal flange that is configured to attach to the surface of the base structure.

7. The modular support system according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first bottom support and the first top support has a tongue extending into the end region of the respective flat area.

8. The modular support system of claim 1, further comprising at least one side plate attached to the first top support and the first bottom support to secure the first top support to the first bottom support.

9. The modular support system according to claim 8, wherein, The screws pass through the side plate and extend into the first top bracket and the first bottom bracket.

10. A method for modularly attaching a structure to a medical station, comprising: The first stent was attached to part of the medical station; The second stent is attached to the structure to be attached to the medical station; The first bracket is attached to the second bracket such that the first bracket is stacked on the second bracket.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The third stent was attached to part of the medical station; The fourth stent is attached to the structure to be attached to the medical station; The third bracket is attached to the fourth bracket such that the third bracket is stacked on top of the fourth bracket.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first support and the third support are attached to the top surface of the medical station.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first and third supports are attached to the side of the medical station.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising attaching a transverse strut between the first support and the third support, wherein opposite ends of the transverse strut are connected to the first support and the third support.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising attaching at least one side plate to the first bracket and the second bottom bracket to secure the first bracket to the second bracket.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein, The first support has the same structure as the second support.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The first support and the second support are stacked vertically.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The first support and the second support are stacked horizontally.

19. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the first support and the second support has two vertical walls extending along opposite sides of a respective flat area.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, Each vertical wall of the first support has a horizontal flange that forms a surface configured to attach to a medical station.

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